The Rhinos are hunting a third successive title and a seventh Grand Final success in 10 years. They are now just 80 minutes away from another Old Trafford appearance and will face a trip to either Warrington or Wigan next week.

Epic: Danny McGuire scored a last-gasp drop goal to seal victory

Leeds' opponents will be confirmed on Sunday when Warrington reveal their Club Call decision, but the Rhinos are guaranteed to travel in confident mood.

McDermott said: 'They're a remarkable group of men but we're not done yet. We've got a big game next week.

'I'm sure Tony (Smith, Warrington coach) will come up with the right call, but what that will be I can't tell you. We'll have to see where the coin lands.'

He added: 'I can't speak highly enough of St Helens and I feel a bit humble because that was an epic game. It was a cracking advert for our sport.

'Saints couldn't have run stronger or put any more plays on and I feel humble we won it, but I don't feel lucky.'

On the charge: Kallum Watkins scores the first try for Leeds Rhinos

Leeds dominated the first half and could easily have been out of sight, only for St Helens to produce their best defensive performance of the year and consistently deny the champions.

But that pressure was always likely to tell, and the Rhinos eventually forced their way through when Kallum Watkins stepped outside his opposite man to touch down in the corner.

Saints' best effort came from Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, who was held up over the hosts' line, but their forays forward were rare.

Instead they spent much of their energy trying to halt a Leeds side determined to book its place in the last four. England captain Kevin Sinfield was superb, directing play with precision control while punching above his weight in defence.

Only a controversial video referee decision just before the break denied McGuire what looked certain to be the Rhinos' second try.

On the ball: McGuire held his nerve in classic encounter

But he set up Joel Moon's try early in the second half and Leeds looked certain winners until Willie Manu's double hauled Saints back into contention.

Jordan Turner's missed conversion set up a thrilling finish and golden point extra time looked likely until Leeds called on all their big match experience to land the killer blow three minutes from time.

Kevin Sinfield was lined up to take the drop goal attempt, but a sloppy pass meant he had no time and instead fed McGuire, who struck a fine effort from 30 metres out wide on the right to settle pulsating clash.

Saints boss Nathan Brown said: 'It's not like we can come back next week, but I'm really proud of our guys. The effort from both sides was super. That was what proper semi final footy is about.'